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Curiosities of ancient Rome
The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Antoninus Pius in dress typical of Arval Brethren
Bust of the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (ruled 138-161 CE), dressed in the traditional garb of the Arval Brethren.
Marble Roman relief depicting cavalaryman
Marble Roman relief depicting the cavalaryman from Tralles in Western Asia Minor, 2nd century CE. The Greek inscription is dedicated to Apollo and was made by Marcus Salvius Douiscus. The object is located in the British Museum, London.
Trick of young defender from Jerusalem
The siege of Jerusalem, defended by Jewish insurgents against the Romans, lasted for several months in 70 CE. The defenders were deceptive many times, and he did not fail to mention Josephus – our main source of information about those events.
Reconstruction of image of Hadrian
Reconstruction of the image of Emperor Hadrian, who ruled in 117-138 CE. Hadrian was related to Emperor Trajan – as the grandson of his aunt. When he lost his father, the future Emperor Trajan took charge of him. And so the young man climbed the career ladder; he was the commander of the troops fighting against the Dacians, later a consul to finally get the governorship of Syria. He was the third of the so-called five good emperors.
Reconstruction of Roman theater in Toulouse
Reconstruction of the Roman theater in today’s Toulouse (southern France) from the 1st century CE. The object was able to accommodate up to 8,000 viewers, which was a large number for a city with a population of nearly 30,000.
Roman amber
Ancient Romans called amber as lyncurium (other names are lyngurium or ligurium), meaning “lynx urine” because according to the beliefs, the golden object was created from the petrified urine of this predator (apparently the best came from male urine).
Roman weight in shape of boy’s head
Roman weight for a weight in the shape of a boy’s head. The image is probably a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, perhaps Caligula.
Bust of Agrippina the Younger
Bust of Agrippina the Younger (c. 15-59 CE), daughter of Germanicus – an excellent Roman general and Agrippina the Elder – an energetic and brave woman. Wife of Emperor Claudius and mother of Nero.
